CertOutlook

Respiratory Therapist in North Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$76,660
trending_down -4.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering
300

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$270

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in North Dakota

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in North Dakota, you must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. The licensing body is the North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care. A criminal history record check is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. North Dakota also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet similar requirements and hold NBRC credentials.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $61,040
25th percentile $63,270
50th (median) $76,660
75th percentile $81,260
90th (experienced) $96,660

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190)
Application fee$80
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education10.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal history record check is required. Minimum age of 18 years old. The NBRC exam system is changing in January 2027, replacing the TMC + CSE two-exam system with a single 'Respiratory Therapy Examination'.

Source: North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
8,800
Nationwide per year
Total employment
139,600
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleNorth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a respiratory therapist career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a respiratory therapist in North Dakota? expand_more
In North Dakota, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($80 fee).
Is a respiratory therapist license required in North Dakota? expand_more
Yes, North Dakota requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
What do respiratory therapists earn in North Dakota? expand_more
The median respiratory therapist salary in North Dakota is $76,660 per year. That's roughly in line with the $80,450 national median. New respiratory therapists start around $61,040; seasoned professionals can reach $96,660.
How expensive is respiratory therapist licensing in North Dakota? expand_more
Between exam fee ($190) and application fee ($80), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in North Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in North Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does North Dakota require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more
License renewal in North Dakota requires completing 10.0 hours of continuing education on a 1.0-year cycle.

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